Nehemiah

Rebuilding the Ruins

The book of Nehemiah is the last book of history in the Old Testament. And therefore, what takes place in Nehemiah sets up what comes next, the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah.

Nehemiah tells the story of a group of exiled Israelites in bondage to the Babylonians and then Persians returning to a torn and burned down Jerusalem and rebuilding its walls and homes. And yet, in deeper and more significant ways, it tells the story of a group of exiles led by Nehemiah who is wanting to rebuild a people who stand under the word of God and are committed to the glory of God and being a light to the nations. Themes of God’s grace and sovereignty and promise-keeping run throughout the book but mixed with times of opposition and discouragement too.

It’s a book relevant today for so many reasons. The book ends somewhat tragically, however, reminding us that our hope isn’t in a city or a people but in One to come.